MIAMI — FIU’s men’s basketball program used a late run to defeat New College (FL) 70-63 in non-conference action on Friday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
The Panthers (3-6) used an 8-0 run to close out the game to secure the seven-point victory over the Mighty Banyans (7-4). Vianney Salatchoum scored 19 points in 29 minutes, shooting 8-for-11 from the field, while adding four blocks and seven rebounds.
Starters Ashton Williamson and Jayden Brewer chipped in 11 points each. Dashon Gittens scored 15 points off the bench, playing 28 minutes. Dante Wilcox and Travis Gray both earned spots in the starting lineup for the first time this season.
FIU trailed 31-29, but opened the second half with a 6-0 run capped by a layup from Williamson. Dante Wilcox restored the Panther lead back to five on a layup with 7:18 to go.
The Mighty Banyans responded with a flurry of their own, taking a three-point lead with 4:23 remaining. Down the stretch, FIU scored 12 of the final 14 points, all of which came from Brewer, Gitttens and Asim Jones.
The Panthers had 48 points in the paint and out-rebounded New College 40-37.
UP NEXT
The Panthers travel to Stetson for a 4 p.m. tip-off in DeLand, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
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